A Bit of Heaven for Hunters

You want to hunt in the Uinta Mountains of Wyoming, do you? That’s great! You’ve chosen what we in the Bridger Valley consider to be our little piece of heaven. This scenic, forested area is home to a plethora of hunting opportunities, whether by gun, bow, or trap. Big game hunted in this area include antelope, deer, elk, and moose. If you are in it for the trophy, you’ll find black bear and mountain lion here. Upland game birds to be hunted include sage grouse, pheasant, and sandhill crane. Furbearer trapping includes badger, bobcat, marten, mink, muskrat, or weasel. This neck of the woods is also an incredible range for shed hunting.

For general hunting regulations, please refer to this document from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. From this page of the website, you will be able to find interactive maps for hunting specific game, as well as the current year’s season dates pertaining to each species. Additionally, you will find how to obtain a license to hunt in Wyomning, and make a plan for your hunt, along with preference points and drawing odds information. Please use the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, and resources from the official Forest Service website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on hunting in the great Uinta Mountains of Wyoming.

Nonresident big and trophy game hunters must use a professional outfitter or resident guide while hunting in any federally designated wilderness area. It is best to use a guide associated with the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association (https://wyoga.org/). So, if you are new to hunting in this area, your best bet for success will be to find an experienced outfitter to guide you. If you are a local resident new to hunting, your best option will be the same, to learn the area with someone who has experience hunting here and who knows the land. Experienced local hunters generally have their secret (dare we say “sacred”) hunting spots, so don’t expect to know all the secrets!

Whatever species you are hunting, please remember to be safe while exploring. Here are a few hunting tips from the Forest Service website to follow:

• Check weather reports before visiting the area.
• Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.
• Be familiar with the area you want to hunt.
• Dress properly and be prepared for the worst possible weather conditions and changing weather.
• If accompanied by a dog, the dog should wear hunter orange or a very visible color on a vest, leash, coat, or bandana.
• Utilize layering techniques to wick away moisture while retaining body warmth. Always bring rain gear.
• Clearly identify your target before shooting. Prevent unfortunate accidents or fatalities.
• Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. It’s a safe bet that there are other recreationists are in the area as well.
• If hunting in bear country, follow these tips at the Be Bear Aware website.

Here in Bridger Valley, we feel blessed to live near such breathtaking sites and spectacular wildlife. Please remember to respect the land, obey the law, practice safety, be prepared, and enjoy your time hunting!